This brings the ADFD’s total cumulative development expenditure and investments as of end-2017 to AED83 billion, up AED3 billion over 2016 and expands its reach to 88 beneficiary countries.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and chairman of the ADFD, said that the UAE’s comprehensive international development assistance programmes are guided by "solid principles and sound fundamentals".

Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, director-general of the ADFD, added: "As the leading national entity for development aid, the fund has contributed to bolstering the status of the UAE as a respected and valued member of the international community and a key global provider of development assistance."